A boy unloads food rations provided by the World Food Programme at an aid distribution centre in Sanaa, Yemen, in February. The Houthis have essentially weaponised aid. EPA
A boy unloads food rations provided by the World Food Programme at an aid distribution centre in Sanaa, Yemen, in February. The Houthis have essentially weaponised aid. EPA
A boy unloads food rations provided by the World Food Programme at an aid distribution centre in Sanaa, Yemen, in February. The Houthis have essentially weaponised aid. EPA
A boy unloads food rations provided by the World Food Programme at an aid distribution centre in Sanaa, Yemen, in February. The Houthis have essentially weaponised aid. EPA

UN agencies meet in Brussels to discuss Yemen aid freeze


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UN aid agencies met with donor nations in Brussels on Thursday to discuss a freeze in aid to Yemen, a response to demands by Houthi rebels for a two per cent levy on supplies.

The United Nations agencies, which included the World Food Programme (WFP) and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), have held two days of talks as they grapple with interference by the Houthis to aid distribution in areas under the Iran-backed group’s control.

But it was reported by AFP on Friday that the Houthis had dropped the threat, according to an unnamed UN diplomat in Sanaa.

The rebels, which have stepped up their attacks against government forces in recent months, had demanded a two per cent tax on all aid moving through territory they control.

In the past, aid agencies like the WFP have accused the Houthis of looting UN supplies and blocking them from reaching civilians. Control of aid distribution has also become a tactic used by the Houthis to retain power.

Yemen is the biggest humanitarian crisis on earth, the UN has said. Millions of people in the country live on the verge of starvation.

Last month, aid workers said their agencies would have no choice but to reduce assistance provided by organisations like the WFP, which currently feeds more than 12 million people a month, in Yemen.

Resisting the militia’s demands for revenue from aid shipments into the country is particularly key in the context of the US policy on Iran, which has seen transfers to the Houthi camp from Tehran dry up. “There is a window to achieve something in Yemen because of the policy of maximum pressure,” officials close to the Arab coalition said.

Saudi Arabia has also announced that its Joint Incident Assessment Team (JIAT) referred 182 cases to judicial authorities and has found there were breaches of the rules of engagement in 22 incidents.

The incidents examined included a 2016 attack at a medical facility in Abs in the Hajjah governorate, a wedding in Bani Qayis in 2018 and on a bus in Dahyan in the same year.

“There must be full compliance with the law of armed conflict including the need for proportionality and the principle of necessity,” an official told a briefing in London. He told the briefing that the final sentences in the cases would be announced soon.

Specs

Engine: 2-litre

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic

Power: 255hp

Torque: 273Nm

Price: Dh240,000

match info

Union Berlin 0

Bayern Munich 1 (Lewandowski 40' pen, Pavard 80')

Man of the Match: Benjamin Pavard (Bayern Munich)

The Settlers

Director: Louis Theroux

Starring: Daniella Weiss, Ari Abramowitz

Rating: 5/5

Haircare resolutions 2021

From Beirut and Amman to London and now Dubai, hairstylist George Massoud has seen the same mistakes made by customers all over the world. In the chair or at-home hair care, here are the resolutions he wishes his customers would make for the year ahead.

1. 'I will seek consultation from professionals'

You may know what you want, but are you sure it’s going to suit you? Haircare professionals can tell you what will work best with your skin tone, hair texture and lifestyle.

2. 'I will tell my hairdresser when I’m not happy'

Massoud says it’s better to offer constructive criticism to work on in the future. Your hairdresser will learn, and you may discover how to communicate exactly what you want more effectively the next time.

3. ‘I will treat my hair better out of the chair’

Damage control is a big part of most hairstylists’ work right now, but it can be avoided. Steer clear of over-colouring at home, try and pursue one hair brand at a time and never, ever use a straightener on still drying hair, pleads Massoud.

Profile

Co-founders of the company: Vilhelm Hedberg and Ravi Bhusari

Launch year: In 2016 ekar launched and signed an agreement with Etihad Airways in Abu Dhabi. In January 2017 ekar launched in Dubai in a partnership with the RTA.

Number of employees: Over 50

Financing stage: Series B currently being finalised

Investors: Series A - Audacia Capital 

Sector of operation: Transport

Saudi Cup race day

Schedule in UAE time

5pm: Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Motors Cup (Turf), 5.35pm: 1351 Cup (T), 6.10pm: Longines Turf Handicap (T), 6.45pm: Obaiya Arabian Classic for Purebred Arabians (Dirt), 7.30pm: Jockey Club Handicap (D), 8.10pm: Samba Saudi Derby (D), 8.50pm: Saudia Sprint (D), 9.40pm: Saudi Cup (D)